59.3.2. Voltage Gain Calculation

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define voltage gain.

   Hint

   Think about what happens when you amplify a signal.

2. 2.

   What is transconductance?

   Hint

   Consider its role in controlling current.

3. 3.

   What is the formula to calculate voltage gain?

   • A_v = V_out / V_in
   • A_v = V_in / V_out
   • A_v = 2 * R_D

   Hint

   Think about input versus output signals.

4. 4.

   True or False: Cascading amplifiers always decreases the bandwidth.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the benefits of amplifier stages.

5. 5.

   Design a two-stage amplifier using a common-source and common-drain configuration with specified parameters. Calculate the expected voltage gain and bandwidth.

   Hint

   Evaluate each stage separately before adding the outputs together.

6. 6.

   Evaluate the effect of increasing load capacitance on the upper cutoff frequency in a two-stage amplifier design.

   Hint

   Refer back to the cutoff frequency calculation formula discussed in class.